Must-see attractions in London | How to enjoy London for the first time
London
London was the city I visited most frequently during my studies in the UK, and it's also the one most suitable for first-time visitors to the UK. It has iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, as well as free and worthwhile museums and art galleries. For me, London isn't just a place for taking photos and checking off tourist spots, but a city perfect for exploring slowly on foot and by the subway.
I usually take the train to London Euston, so this post will be based on my own route, outlining attractions, food, and transportation options suitable for a first-time visit to London. From Platform 9¾, a must-see for Harry Potter fans, to the British Museum, National Gallery, Big Ben, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Borough Market, this post will compile a list of places I think are worth visiting, eating, and noting.
Day 1: Harry Potter Platform, Paddington Station, British Museum
From London Euston: Platform 9¾
Whenever I go to London, I usually take the train to London Euston, so on my first trip, we made sure to visit the famous Platform 9¾ nearby. It's a really meaningful place for Harry Potter fans; besides taking photos, there's also a Harry Potter souvenir shop to browse. I saw a really unique postcard in the shop and couldn't resist buying it. Although it's a popular tourist spot, if you've seen Harry Potter, it's definitely worth a stop if it's your first time in London.
Paddington Station: Checking in for Paddington Bear
Next, we took the subway to the famous Paddington Station. If you love Paddington Bear like I do, this is definitely worth including in your itinerary. The station has Paddington Bear-themed photo spots, and it's also a great place to take pictures with your own Paddington Bear plushie. You don't need to spend too much time here, but because it's located on London's transport lines, it's a perfect stop along the way.
The British Museum: A classic attraction that's free and worth visiting.
One of the best things about London is that many museums and art galleries offer free admission. The British Museum is one of the places I think is definitely worth visiting on your first trip to London. It has a vast collection of exhibits, and you could easily spend half a day or even longer exploring it thoroughly. If you're short on time, you can choose to visit the exhibits that interest you first. It's a great place to visit on your first afternoon; afterward, you can go for lunch nearby or return to your hotel to rest. I recommend making reservations on their official website beforehand.
Day 2 Morning: National Gallery, Big Ben, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace
National Gallery: An art attraction that is free to visit.
The next morning, you can start with the National Gallery, which is free to visit and houses many famous paintings. It's perfect for art and history enthusiasts or those who simply want to include an indoor attraction in their itinerary. Trafalgar Square is right outside the gallery, surrounded by fountains, statues, and charming London streetscapes. Even if you don't plan to spend much time at the gallery, a stroll through the area is highly recommended.
Click here to book a reservation at the National Gallery
Walk from Trafalgar Square all the way to Big Ben
After visiting the National Gallery, you can walk towards Big Ben. Along the way, you'll pass many souvenir shops. If you're looking to buy postcards, magnets, or other London-related items, it's advisable to shop around at several stores before making a purchase, as prices and styles may vary slightly between shops.
First, look at the London Eye, then walk along the river to Big Ben.
On your way to Big Ben, when you reach the vicinity of the Banqueting House (Whitehall Palace Banquet Hall), don't continue straight to Big Ben. Instead, turn left at the intersection of Whitehall and Horse Guards Avenue towards the Thames. After turning left, walk along Horse Guards Avenue to the riverbank, where you'll see the London Eye on the opposite bank. After seeing the London Eye, continue walking along the riverbank until you reach Big Ben. I personally love this route because you can see the river view, the London Eye, and classic architecture all at once; it truly gives you a feeling of "I'm in London."
Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace
Big Ben is one of London's most iconic landmarks, and it's quite spectacular the first time you see it. After visiting Big Ben, you can walk to nearby Westminster Abbey and then continue towards Buckingham Palace. If you want to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, it's advisable to check beforehand if there's a performance scheduled for the day, as the time and date may vary depending on the season or events. Even if you don't see a performance, Buckingham Palace itself is a great place for taking photos and a side trip.
Day 2 Afternoon: Borough Market, London Bridge, Tower Bridge
Borough Market: A Must-Visit Food Market in London
In the afternoon, you can take a bus to the London Bridge area and walk to Borough Market. This is a famous food market in London, with many stalls offering snacks, desserts, coffee, and cooked food. I highly recommend trying the famous Spanish paella; the portion looks very generous and has a real market vibe. Besides paella, there are also many other types of small shops, perfect for snacking while strolling around, as a lunch or afternoon snack.
Photo of Tower Bridge from London Bridge
After visiting Borough Market, you can walk to London Bridge to take photos of Tower Bridge. Many first-time visitors to London confuse London Bridge with Tower Bridge, but the most beautiful and iconic one for photos is actually Tower Bridge. From London Bridge, you can capture a complete view of Tower Bridge and the Thames River; it's truly stunning on a clear day.
Walk along the river to Tower Bridge
After taking photos, you can walk along the river to Tower Bridge. This is a great place for a leisurely stroll, where you can see riverside buildings, street scenes, and Tower Bridge from different angles.
Once you reach the top of Tower Bridge, you can see London from another angle, making it a great way to end a classic London sightseeing tour.
London food recommendation: Beigel Bake
This shop is most famous for its beef bagels, but it also has salmon cream cheese flavor. It's a great place to take away, eat quickly, and experience the street food of London.
I personally prefer the beef bagel; it's more memorable and less likely to become cloying. The salmon cream cheese bagel is also classic, but it can get a bit heavy towards the end. If you happen to be in the vicinity or are looking for a London specialty, I think Beigel Bake should be added to your list.